The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-03-25
THE REIcHsTAc.
a Lucid Explanation of the Parties
into Which II Is Divided.

The Berlin correspondent of the New York
Times writes:
at may be Of some interest to your read
ers to know the composition CT the new
Reichstag, the definition ofits various groups
and approximately their several strengths.
'"rhe Conservatives number 70 and are
hardened reactionaries, advocating the re-
gme existing before 1913, the suppression OF
the Constitution of 1871, and the re-eStab
lishment of absolutism. They are all Pro-
,testants, are recruited in majority in Pomer-
ania and Brandenburg, and will vote in favor
of any measure proposed by Prince Blsmark
including the abrOgation Of the Kulturkampi
although with reluctance.
The Imperial party, also called Conserva-
tive-Liberal, numbers thirty-three; 1t will
vote unhesitatingly everything proposed by
the government, caring nothing for the
measure per sc, but because IL is q govern
ment measure. This party of the Empire Is
composed of Deputies from Wurtemburg,
Saxony, and the Grand Duchy Of Baden; 1t
rarely takes part in any debate, and has for
its leader Marshal Won Moltke.
The National Liberals, whose leaders are
Miguel and Benigsen, number eighty-eight
1t was this parry which invented the Empire
and it represents those provincial cOnStltu-
ences which stand in dread Of Socialism.
Its opinions are what might be termed liberal
doctrinarian, and it considers the Globe Of
1927 as too advanced" in its political views.
bculBSen even mOI6 IMAM hlSucl Is It's Dig
medicine man, and his clever generalship
during the last campaign contributed even
more than the POpe's letter to the success of
the governments partisans.
The Centre-ninety-two in all-viS styled in
other countries the UltramOntane party 1t
has always hitherto obeyed the Pope In pre-
ference to the Emperor when any divergence
of policy existed, but siree the Jacobini let
tiers is supposed to be more conciliating. Its
object is the repeal of the laws OF May, and
maneuvres to this end under the direction of
the most remarkable Parliamentary taetieian
in the world. Herr Windthorst, by whom it
has been admirably organized. Its members
represent Bavaria, Silesia and the Rhenish
Provinces.
The Progressists did number eighty-seven
and now only fourteen. They are cOnstitu-
tutional monarchists, for whom the govern
ment of England is the ideal model They
are politicians generally Of ability, who have
been elected in the great commercial cities.
Their leading men are Wirehow the great
professor of anthrOpology, and Eugene
Richter a lawyer-jOurnalist, whose specially
is to exasperate Bismarck.
The Guelphs, numbering two; the thirteen
Poles, the one Dane and the fifteen Alsatians
are consistent adversaries of the government
and always vote against It, Ihey very sell
dom take part in any debate.
The twelve Socialists pretend to represent
tee proletarian element of the population.
They are not deluded by any Of the Socialist
theories Of the government They are never
discouraged by any seventies of the law.
They have /, ,0O0, 600 followers in the Empire
of whom 100000 are ready for anything, and
must some day become dangerous, but,
knowing their power, they are patient and
bide their time. All come from the manu-
featuring centres, and vote against every bill
proposed in the Chamber. Their leader Is
Bebel, turner by trade, but an orator Of
much eloquence and strength.